The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that helps scan and repair corrupt or missing system files. Using SFC can resolve performance issues, unexpected errors, and system crashes caused by file corruption.
✅ Steps to Use SFC to Repair Corrupt Files
1️⃣ Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
- Type cmd or Command Prompt.
- Right-click and select “Run as administrator”.
- If prompted, click “Yes” to confirm.
2️⃣ Run the SFC Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- This initiates a full system file scan to detect and fix corrupted or missing files.
- The scan duration varies (10-30 minutes) depending on system size and file integrity.
3️⃣ Wait for the Scan to Complete
- Do not close the Command Prompt window while the scan is running.
- Avoid running heavy applications to prevent performance slowdown.
4️⃣ Understand the Scan Results
Once the scan finishes, you may receive one of the following messages:
✅ “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations”
🔹 No issues were found, and your system files are intact.
⚡ “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them”
🔹 Corrupt files were found and fixed automatically.
🔹 Restart your PC to apply the changes.
❗ “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them”
🔹 Some files could not be repaired.
🔹 Try running SFC again in Safe Mode or use DISM before re-running SFC.
🚀 5️⃣ Restart Your Computer
After completing the scan and repairs, restart your PC to ensure all fixes take effect.
🔄 If SFC Fails: Use the DISM Tool
If SFC cannot fix the corruption, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool:
1️⃣ Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2️⃣ Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3️⃣ Wait for the process to complete (this may take a while).
4️⃣ Re-run sfc /scannow after DISM finishes.
🚨 Important Tips for Using SFC
- Always run SFC with administrative privileges.
- Do not shut down your PC while the scan is in progress.
- Back up your data before performing major repairs.
Source:
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